Bill > SB1876

This bill modifies how legal documents, known as "service of process," are delivered to insurance companies operating in Oklahoma. Previously, these documents had to be served on the Insurance Commissioner, who would then forward them to the insurer. Now, insurance companies can appoint a registered agent, who is either a resident of Oklahoma or authorized to do business there, to receive these legal documents instead of the Commissioner. If an insurer chooses a registered agent other than the Commissioner, they must electronically submit the agent's name and address to the Commissioner, which will be publicly available and must be updated within five business days of any changes. The bill also clarifies that if someone reasonably relies on the Commissioner's list of registered agents and serves process on an incorrect agent, they can then serve the Commissioner, and the statute of limitations will be paused during the time it takes to correctly serve the Commissioner. Additionally, the bill updates the process for serving legal documents, allowing for mailing with return receipt requested as an alternative to in-person delivery to the Commissioner, and specifies that copies of the petition and summons forwarded by the Commissioner to the insurer's designated registered agent constitute proper service. This act will take effect on November 1, 2026.

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http://www.oklegislature.gov/BillInfo.aspx?Bill=sb1876&Session=2600